March 6, 2000
(Mines and Energy)

Minister attending Mining Millennium Conference

Paul Dicks, Minister of Mines and Energy, and senior officials of his department are in Toronto this week (March 5-10) attending the Mining Millennium 2000 (MM2000) Conference, the largest international convention and trade exhibition ever held in Canada.

More than 10,000 delegates from over 600 companies and 70 nations are attending MM2000, which is being held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from March 5-10.

MM2000 represents the first time ever that the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) has combined its annual meeting with the annual general meeting of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM).

A significant feature this year is the World Mines Ministers Forum which is taking place on Friday, March 10.

Mr. Dicks said representatives from both private and public sector companies from around the world will participate in this event which will explore, debate and discuss key challenges facing the mining industry in the 21st century.

On Tuesday, March 7, the Department of Mines and Energy will jointly host a reception at the Royal York Hotel with the Newfoundland and Labrador Chamber of Mineral Resources, the organization which represents mining interests in the province.

Mr. Dicks said these are excellent opportunities to inform and educate the national and international mining concerns about the mining and petroleum potential of Newfoundland and Labrador.

"These are exciting times for Newfoundland and Labrador mining and petroleum sectors and this international event represents an excellent opportunity to promote the rich natural resources of our province," the minister said.

Newfoundland and Labrador now produces 55 per cent of Canada�s iron ore products from western Labrador and the province will be producing 30 per cent of Canada�s light crude production by 2005.

"We have a very active exploration scene in the province with a healthy balance of major companies, an excellent group of junior mining companies and a dynamic group of local prospectors," Mr. Dicks said.

The minister said the key message that he wants to deliver to all convention delegates is that Newfoundland and Labrador has a good investment climate and the province is a great supporter and promoter of mining and petroleum exploration and development.

Senior department officials attending MM2000 are Brian Maynard, deputy minister, and Paul Dean, assistant deputy minister of mines.

Media contact: Gary Callahan, (709) 729-4890, or (416) 860-5063.

2000 03 06                                             11:45 a.m.